Right of tenants in new building when premises damaged or destroyed due to natural calamity

Explanation.--In this section and in sub-section (1A) of section 12, the expression "disturbed area" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Gujarat Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Provision for Protection of Tenants from Eviction from Premises in Disturbed Areas Act, 1991. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, where by reason of earthquake or any other natural calamity, any material part of the premises is wholly destroyed or rendered substantially and permanently unfit for the purpose for which it was let,- (a) The landlord shall erect new building at the original site, subject to the provisions of any rules, bye-laws or regulations, made by a local authority, not later than twelve months from the date on which material part of premises of the building is wholly destroyed or rendered substantialy and permanently unfit: Provided that the State Government may for sufficient reasons extend the said period of twelve months to such further period not exceeding twelve months as it thinks fit. (b) the tenant shall have the right to occupy a tenement in the new building errected at the original site by the landlord, and the provisions of sections 17B and 17C shall, so far as may be, apply.